1907 - Collision in Tunnel

[NW Mailing List]

Roanoke Times - July 25, 1907

COLLISION IN TUNNEL

Fireman Kirkwood is Badly Injured

   Two engines were more or less demolished and six cars derailed in 
a head-on collision between two freight trains in the tunnel just 
west of Lynchburg yesterday at 12:50 a.m. The cause of the accident 
is unknown, and only one man, a fireman on the east-bound train, was 
injured. His name is Frank Kirkwood, and it was stated that he was 
badly injured.
   The east-bound train was a double-header loaded with coal, and 
just after entering the tunnel the engine struck a west-bound extra. 
There was a terrible crash, and it was only due to the fact that both 
trains were going very slow that there was not a greater number of casualties.
   Nos. 41 and 42 were sent around over the Chesapeake and Ohio via 
Basic. The train from the east arrived here around 10:30. The tracks 
were cleared by 10:30 and trains were passing through the tunnel. 
Owing to the location of the wreck it is considered exceedingly 
fortunate that there was not greater damage and the traffic should be 
resumed so speedily.

-----------------------------------

- Ron Davis, Roger Link